Suitcase 10.8.14

Jeralyn did NOT want her Aunt Natasha to leave!  And if she was going to leave, Jeralyn was determined she was going to go with her.  So she climbed into Aunt Natasha's suitcase thinking she would just go with her that way.

It was hard to watch Jeralyn say goodbye to Aunt Natasha before she went to bed that night.  It was one of those "Don't go Tasha!  Don't leave!" (without tears--but almost).  It was heartbreaking!

Family Photo Shoot 10.8.14

Jeralyn had fun playing at Grandma Mary and Grandpa Al's house.  She loved being outside!

We did a little photo shoot with Natasha.  She took most of the photos...which I won't be sharing.  But for those of you who get a Christmas card from us...be on the lookout.  *wink*

Love this photo!  I think it's print-worthy!

Breakfast with Grandpa & Grandma Smith 10.8.14

In the evening of the 7th, Quent picked up Natasha from the airport and she stayed the night at my mom's house.  We were all thrilled to see her!

The next morning, we met Grandpa and Grandma Smith at a nice cafe in Imlay City, as it was close to us and on their way to Port Huron (they were traveling to Quent's cousin's wedding).  It was a short, but very sweet visit!

After breakfast, we waited outside for a bit before taking pictures.  Jeralyn climbed into Grandpa and Grandma's car and helped herself to an apple.  Silly girl!  Grandma Smith gave her a little turtle key-chain, which Jeralyn accidentally left behind in the car.  When we drove away from the restaurant and she realized that it was missing, Jeralyn said, "That was bad!"  She missed her turtle!  When Quent came back from Boston a few days later, he brought the lost turtle to her.  When he was in Boston, she kept on talking about how 'Daddy was going to bring home my turdle'.  I think she thinks that was his whole purpose of going to Boston (which was actually to photograph his cousin's wedding and visit family).  So funny!

Jeralyn wanted to go with Grandpa and Grandma Smith to Boston for the wedding.  I think Grandma Smith was maybe trying to convince her here to come with them.  They were scheming about something.  Ha!

It was a bit windy!  Quent took our picture.

Such JOY!

Love!

I'm so glad it worked out to visit with them, even if it was just a short time.  We are looking forward to seeing them after Christmas!

Great Grandma 10.7.14

We left in the morning to drive back to the east side of Michigan, but before doing so, we took some pictures with Great Grandma.

Quent had taken Jeralyn ouside and picked some apples (or were they pears?) from some trees outside.  So she's holding one in her hand.  I love these kinds of photos!

Four generations!  I think I know where Jeralyn and I get our "smiling" eyes from.  Actually, there's a lot of "smiling" eyes on the Smith side as well.

We had such a sweet visit with family!  xoxo

Uncle Tony & Aunt Kathy 10.6.14

My Uncle Tony and Aunt Kathy came over for dinner at my Grandma's house.  It was a short, but sweet visit with them.  The kids enjoyed them!

See Josh's eyes on that pink ball?  He LOVES balls!  If it rolls, he wants it!

Cousins 10.6.14

On Monday morning, we went to my cousin Amanda's to spend the day with her and her kiddos.  She has a daughter, Grace, who is 3 months older than Jeralyn.  And she had her twin boys, Christian and Elijah, a month before I had Joshua.  It was fun to be pregnant together!

My mom and her brother, my Uncle Dan (holding Christian).

Elijah.  He's always ready to smile!  It's like the smiles are just waiting to appear at any moment.

Josh and Elijah "hanging out".

Quent went outside with the girls for awhile.  It looks like they had a blast together!

Run, run, run!

Climbing...

Grace was pushing Jeralyn on the swing.  So sweet!

And then we took some photos of the boys.  Here is Josh trying to eat Christian.

Successful fingers in the mouth!

Elijah's smiles just melt my heart!  And Josh is really enjoying Christian's hand!

Happy boys!

My cousin Amanda and I.  Love her!

Family 10.5.14

My mom joined us and traveled across the state to Dorr, Michigan to visit her/our family.  It was so wonderful to see them all!

Left to right: Aunt Barb, Melanie, Aunt Sue (standing), Aunt LouAnn (in front of Melanie), Amanda with her kiddos (Grace, Christian and Elijah), Gina (on floor), Jeralyn, Grandma Mary (behind Jeralyn), me (holding Joshua), Great Grandma Norene (in front of Joshua), standing next to me is Alena holding her son Owen, Patrick holding Liam, Angela and her kiddos below her (Madeline and Noah), Ashelyn, Levi, Jenell (holding baby Airis), Nicki, and Trisha.  Whew!

Cousin Melanie, Aunt Sue, Josh and I.

Uncle Tim, Grandma Mary, Jeralyn, and Aunt Barb.

Goofy girl!

My cousin Nicki and I...and Josh!

Playground 10.4.14

We spent a couple of nights at my dad's house before going to my mom's house.  We drove to a school playground and played.  It was rather cold out though and the wind wasn't friendly.  So we didn't stay as long as we had anticipated.

I know...eyes are closed...but it's a sweet photo!  Grandma Mary and Josh.

Jeralyn found a hula-hoop and I tried to show her how it works.  Ha!  It was comical!  She thought it was pretty fun!

Daddy and Jeralyn swinging together on the tire swing.  Such joy!

So serious, sweet boy!